Material calculator
Topsoil & garden soil calculator — cubic yards
Estimate topsoil or garden soil by cubic yard and bag count from the area and depth. The 324 rule converts square feet at an inch depth directly into cubic yards.
You'll need
3.09 cubic yards
Topsoil
- 1.5 ft³ bags
- 56 bags
- Total volume
- 83.3 cubic feet
What this assumes
- 500 ft² × 2 in ÷ 324 = cubic yards.
- 1.5 ft³ per bag is a user-entered product label value.
Coverage rates & sources
Every number this calculator uses is a published engineering constant — not an estimate we made up. Here is exactly what it assumes and where each value comes from.
- Coverage divisor (324 rule): 324 ft²·in/yd³Source: Derived: 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ × 12 in/ft = 324 ft²·in (1 yd³ covers 324 ft² @ 1 in, 108 ft² @ 3 in)
- Sod prep topsoil depth: 2 inSource: Sod prep depth 2 in — apply 2" of topsoil and rake before laying sod (Texas A&M AgriLife / common landscape practice)
- Raised-bed/garden depth: 6–12 inSource: Raised-bed/garden depth 6–12 in (stated as a user choice)
- Cubic yard: 27 ft³Source: Standard unit conversion (1 yd = 3 ft -> 3³ = 27)
Before you buy
- Loose-delivered soil compacts about 10–20% after watering and settling; order slightly extra for finished grade.
- For raised beds, a soil and compost blend is common; this estimates total volume, not the mix ratio.
- This is volume only; soil weight varies heavily with moisture and organic content.
This is a planning estimate, not a substitute for a pro's on-site measurement. For load-bearing, structural, or code-regulated work, confirm quantities with a licensed contractor.
Related calculators
- Paver calculator — pavers, base & sandEstimate pavers, compacted crushed-stone base, bedding sand, and polymeric sand from your patio or walkway area. The waste control represents the pattern allowance: 10% straight, 15% diagonal, or about 22% circular/fan.
- Gravel & crushed stone calculatorEstimate gravel or crushed stone for a driveway, path, or base layer — in cubic yards and in tons (how it's usually sold and delivered).
- Mulch & topsoil calculatorEstimate mulch or topsoil for a bed in cubic yards (for bulk delivery) and in 2 ft³ bags. Mulch is usually applied 2–3 inches deep.
- Sod calculator — pallets & rollsEstimate sod pallets and rolls from lawn area. The waste control should be 5% for rectangular lawns or 10% for irregular yards with curves and bed edges.